Brian George O’Connor (1995 – 2013)
CHATHAM—Brian George O’Connor of Chatham passed away December 1.
He was born in Leavenworth, KS, March 20, 1995.
He was the beloved and cherished son of David J. and Leslie M. O’Connor of Chatham.
He is also survived by his big brother, Robert F. O’Connor; his maternal grandmother, Geneva Mello of Spring Valley, CA; his paternal grandmother, Mary O’Connor of Chatham; his paternal grandfather, Donald O’Connor of Cedar Point, NC; many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mr. O’Connor graduated from Chatham High School in June 2013 earning a Regents diploma with advanced designation with honors, and with a distinguished portfolio. He was a student at Hudson Valley Community College.
“Our precious Brian was a sweetheart.” He was uncommonly considerate, caring and sensitive. He loved to laugh and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He excelled in academics and was interested in all subjects, but it was history—especially World War II history—that was his passion. “Our life on earth now has a tremendous void and heartache without him, but we are eternally grateful for the gift of Brian for 18 incredibly joyful years. Every act of kindness and compassion we witness will ever remind us of our ‘little buddy.’”
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, December 6 at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. A private family service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday and Mr. O’Connor will be laid to rest at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Because he loved cats and was so caring for all people, donations in his name may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, or a floral arrangement in his memory to a nursing home, hospital or senior center of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent at frenchblasl.com.
Richard L. Brower, Jr. (1930 – 2013)
KINDERHOOK—Richard L. Brower, Jr., 83, of Kinderhook, died Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at his home.
Born May 7, 1930 in Orange, NJ, he was the son of the late Richard L. and Lillian (Cashion) Brower.
Mr. Brower graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1952 and then served two years in the U.S. Army. He worked for the Irving Trust Company in Manhattan as a commercial loan officer, retiring as a vice president in 1989.
He then worked with his wife and daughter at Blackwood & Brouwer Booksellers in Kinderhook for more than 20 years. Besides family, the great loves of his life were flying, playing bridge and watching the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean H. Brower; three of his children, Rondi (Philip Gilly), Alan (Susan O’Connor) and Maggie; and his four grandchildren, Joshua Gilly, Sarah Gilly, Matthew Zankowsky and Glin Brower. He was predeceased by his son, Richard L. Brower, III.
The family thanks Dr. Neal Baillargeon and the staff of Community Hospice, especially Marge Schoonover; his longtime bridge partners Patricia Berroyer and Cecelia Charles; and too many supportive friends and family members to name.
There will be a celebration of Mr. Brower’s life next spring at the Kline Kill Airport. Calling hours will be at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie, Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Young Eagles program, Experimental Aviation Association, Inc., P.O. Box 3816, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3816 or Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Boulevard, Rensselaer 12144.
